The experiences of police officers are undoubtedly unpredictable. No amount of training can prepare them for the terrifying and heartbreaking real-life challenges that await them each day.

A career in law enforcement involves a higher level of danger and risk than most other occupations - the daily unknown becoming "routine" for officers and their families.

And sometimes, the situations that policemen and policewomen encounter are so life-changing in fact, these heroes in blue are never quite the same after.

Leonardo Almeida had just graduated from the police academy and begun his career in law enforcement, when he experienced a day on the job he'd never forget...

Taunton, MA police officers were patrolling the streets when the sight of an abandoned car caught their eye.

It was a cool evening and the parking lot of "Fore Kicks" sporting store was deserted - that is, except for a single, parked car. Officer Almeida and his colleague decided to investigate the suspicious situation...

"They explained to the front desk, and out of the goodness of his own heart, he paid $190 for them to stay at the hotel for the evening."

The Taunton police officers called local organizations DTA (Department of Transitional Assistance) and DCF (Department of Children and Families) the following morning to ensure that the family would receive the support they needed to get back on their feet.